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2011 Top 10 Tunings

If you wonder which are the most creative and astonishing tunings that we have seen during the almost gone 2011, here we have picked 10 of the most impressive ones. There were several factors that have been considered in order to make this top 10. First of all exterior tuning, next is the overall improvement in the performance, and at last is the changes made in the interior.

VILNER SATURN SKY

This unique Vilner design has made it through in our top 10. Vilner Saturn Sky boasts nice oriental blue exterior combined with a red interior. The tuner also included LED daytime running lights for the front bumper. However there is more attention put on the interior: it includes black Alcantara and carbon fiber trim parts, as well as new dials, a carbon fiber steering wheel and new upholstery. In the package is also included a newly fitted high-end Ground Zero sound system. Unfortunately there is nothing done to improve the performance of the car. It comes with its standard 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 260PS (194 kW) and 353Nm (260 lb-ft) of torque. From 0 to 100 km/h it accelerates in just 5.5 seconds.

Exterior:	[rating:5/10]
Interior:	[rating:10/10]
Performance:	[rating:2/10]

MARANGONI RANGE ROVER EVOQUE

The next place in our chart goes for this beautiful tuning of Range Rover Evoque. As you can see it grabs the attention with its red tires, strange rims and a lot of carbon fiber all. The SUV also has an improved body kit which features redesigned front bumper and aluminum bonner with integrated air intakes, and a new rear bumper with an integrated carbon diffuser. In addition there are also carbon wheel arches, boot handle, bottom door guards and mirror covers. Furthermore the interior is improved by a lot of carbon fiber and some Alcantara. The last “touch” are the 20” OZ Racing Dakar wheels wrapped in 255/30 ZR20 red M-Power tires. To improve the overall performance of the car the Marangoni Range Rover Evoque comes with 60PS (44 kW) more, which means a total of 300PS (225 kW) from the 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. In addition the performance is further improved by a complete braking system – Tarox B360 with 10-piston calipers and and 330×26 mm composite disks.

Exterior:	[rating:9/10]
Interior:	[rating:4/10]
Performance:	[rating:5/10]

BMW ALPINA B6 BI-TURBO CONVERTIBLE

BMW Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo Convertible tuning is based on the well known 650i model. It has all-aluminium bi-turbo V8 power plant which boasts 507PS (373 kW) and staggering 700Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. It accelerates from0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds and its top speed is 311 km/h (193 mph). Moreover Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo Convertible also comes with complete aerodynamic package including front and rear bumpers and side skirts. There are also a four-tailpipe Akrapovic sports exhaust system and huge 20” alloy wheels. Concerning the interior the B6 Bi-Turbo Convertible has just the extensive range of standard equipment, which includes leather upholstery, fully adjustable comfort seats with heating system, navigation system with preparation for Bluetooth mobile phone, USB audio interface, Xenon lights and LED fog lights. Unfortunately there isn’t any upgrade in the interior. For this reason this special car has the number eight in our chart.

Exterior:	[rating:7/10]
Interior:	[rating:5/10]
Performance:	[rating:7/10]

OAKLEY DESIGN LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR LP760-2

This Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 is an every-day road-going car with great power and specifications. Oakley Design’s tuning of it is called LP760-2 and the model is only rear wheel drive. The vehicle has been stripped of its front differential and related components, so it is much lighter – totally 85 kg (187 pounds). Furthermore, the 6.5 liter V12 engine is upgraded to gain another 71PS and 55Nm. Hence, the total output is 771PS (567 kW) and 745Nm (550 lb-ft). In addition this amazing tuning stands on enormous Oakley Design P40 wheels with dimensions 9.0J to 9.5J x 19” at the front, and from 12.0J to 13.0J x 20” at the rear fitted with ultra-performance 255/35ZR19 and 355/30ZR20 Pirelli PZero tires. Further modifications are made on the aerodynamics which features: modified front bumper, new side skirts, revised rear bumper with a new diffuser. The car also comes with a carbon fiber roof for further weight saving and stylish improvement.

Exterior:	[rating:7/10]
Interior:	[rating:6/10]
Performance:	[rating:7/10]

HENNESSEY VENOM RED

Hennessey Performance ultra-fast beast – 2011 Venom GT has deserved its place in our top 10. First of all it has astonishing exterior, finished in passionate red body color. Furthermore it is powered by an in-house tweaked 6.2-liters V8 twin-turbo powerplant which is linked to a Ricardo 6-speed gearbox, the Chassis Number 03 – Venom GT is capable of producing the breath-taking figures of 1,200 horsepower and 1,155 lb-ft of peak torque, while boasting a curb weight of just 2,685 pounds! The HPE Venom GT is based upon a completely re-designed Lotus chassis, packed with all-new front and rear space frames as well as state-of-the-art carbon-made body with automatic rear wing that contributes remarkably for the super ride’s drivability at high speeds.

Exterior:	[rating:7/10]
Interior:	[rating:7/10]
Performance:	[rating:7/10]

MAGNAT SNOWMOBILE Porsche GT3

The next place goes for Porsche GT3 with the tuning package from Magnat and Wimmer. Here the mighty 3.8 liter flat-six received updated software and modified exhaust system including sport catalysts and suction tubes optimization. The overall result in power optimization is 462HP (340 kW) and 451Nm (334 lb-ft). The top speed is 317 km/h (197 mph). Snowmobile Porsche GT3 stands on Ultraleggera HLT CT by OZ in 8.5J x 19” and 12J x 19” fitted with 235/35 ZR19 and 305/30 ZR19 Yokohama Advan Sport tires. What about the interior: Magnat has used materials from highest quality such as leather, Alcantara and high gloss paintwork. All this let the GT3 shine in its unique design, the dynamic diamond patterns setting sportive and, in the same time, exclusive accents. In addition there is an audio system with 2100 WATTS.

Exterior:	[rating:7/10]
Interior:	[rating:7/10]
Performance:	[rating:8/10]

MERCEDES SLR BLACK ARROW BY EDO COMPETITION

Edo Competition’s SLR Black Arrow is an extremely powerful vehicle that incredibly quickens the pulse when its pedal hits the metal. Based upon the renowned Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Coupe, the edo competition’s SLR Black Arrow conversion benefits a special, stealth-like exterior finish, a new high-tech stainless steel exhaust unit as well as sleek, 21-inch lightweight racing alloys wrapped in high-performance rubber.

In the power compartment, the revised McLaren SLR Coupe’s hand-built 5.4-liters, supercharged V8 plant now tops the extraordinary figure of 722 horsepower at 7,100 revolutions and 890 Nm of peak torque, resulting in top speed of 345 km/h and only 3.4 seconds for 0-100km/h acceleration sprint. Furthermore, the edo SLR Black Arrow has premium leather/alcantara upholstery, special steering wheel with shift paddles and custom carbon applications on the dashboard, center console and door panels. A high-end sound system with navigation, phone, TV and iPod, as well as a reversing camera add even more exclusivity to this already iconic ride’s re-styled cockpit.

Exterior:	[rating:7/10]
Interior:	[rating:8/10]
Performance:	[rating:8/10]

EDO COMPETITION KOENIGSEGG CCR

Edo Competition makes it with another tuning in our chart. This time the car is Koenigsegg CCR, which is the next level above super sport like the mighty Lamboghinis, Ferraris and Porsches.

CCR is powered by a 4.7 liter twin-supercharged V8. Edo Competition boosted the engine of this beast to the whopping 891PS (655 kW) thanks to an ECU re-map. The drive ratio is also improved to gain the hyper car better stability and faster acceleration. The top speed is 390 km/h (242 mph). There are also improvements in the interior, which has received Alcantara upholstery, a redesigned center console, a new infotainment system, and a tire pressure monitoring system that has a display integrated into the dashboard.

Exterior:	[rating:8/10]
Interior:	[rating:8/10]
Performance:	[rating:8/10]

ABT AUDI R8 GT S

This ABT Audi R8 GT S got the place of number two in our chart not only because of the incredible outlook it has, but also because it produces 620PS (456 kW). This is due to the 5.2 liter V10 engine, which has received a number of upgrades. The convertible stands on enormous 20” ABT BR alloys or 19” CR Superlight rims. There are also some improvements in the interior: red carbon on almost every single detail, sports steering wheel, centre console, shifting gate and parts of the door panels. The remaining parts of the doors and the dashboard are upholstered with new leather. We can’t go further without mentioning the red safety belts and illuminated door sill panels for the overall powerful appearance of the ABT R8 GT S.

Exterior:	[rating:9/10]
Interior:	[rating:8/10]
Performance:	[rating:8/10]

WIESMANN BLACK BAT

And the first place goes to…. Wiesmann’s Black Bat! The company SchwabenFolia in Korntal-Münchingen situated in Baden-Württemberg has created this astonishing Wiesmann MF5 V10 Roadster. The project name is Black Bat because it represents the ultimate Batmobile in reality! Everything is tuned in this car. Firstly this vehicle comes with an extra matte black exterior, door panels, engine room and the inner hood, as well as the completely foiled trunk and inner flap. This breathtaking tuned car is powered by the brilliant S85B50 – 5.0 liter V10 with 507PS (378 kW) at 7750RPM and 520Nm (384 lb-ft) of torque at 6100RPM. Furthermore the BMW’s Performance engine includes cast aluminum block with bed plate design split at the crankshaft axis, cast aluminum heads with four valves per cylinder and CNC machined ports and combustion chambers. All these engine boosts result in enhanced acceleration, which for the standard 0-100 km/h takes only 3.5 seconds. Moreover the top speed is more than 321 km/h (200 mph). You can see how amazingly this car looks. Its movie-like appearance is improved by the enormous BBS forged alloy wheels 10J x 20” with 285/30 ZR20 tires at the front and 11.5J x 20” with 325/25 ZR20 on the rear axle. Behind them, there are brembo 6-piston calipers with 308 x 32 mm perforated compound brake discs and 4-piston calipers with 380 x 28 mm discs at the rear. The interior is also enhanced thus: all in the interior is covered with high quality leather which gives the car the perfect finish! All results in the overall weight of 1395 kg. No doubt now that this car deserves the first place!

Exterior:	[rating:10/10]
Interior:	[rating:8/10]
Performance:	[rating:9/10]

December 29, 2011

The QX56 Powered Boat

A bunch of students from the Tennessee Technical Center in Nashville and the Nashville State Community College have successfully managed to extract a 400-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 from an unfortunate Infinity QX56. All they need to do now is to wait for a craftsman, a thousand miles away in Freeport, Maine, to complete his work on a completely stripped down Chris-Craft Holiday boat. So, what’s the connection in all of this? Well, these are stages of a project called Infiniti QX56-Powered Boat which is exactly what it sounds like: they are going to marry the Infinity engine to a renovated version of the 1962 boat.

This is not a pioneering case of a mechanical heart transplant. Chris-Craft boats have had a history with “Hotroding” (the process in which a powerful engine unit is coupled with a classic chassis). Previously, power plants such as the 431-cubic inch Lincoln marine engine or the 440-cubic inch Chrysler Hemi marine V8 one, have had the pleasure of propelling those iconic, mahogany vessels.

“The use of the powerful Infiniti QX56 V8 is fitting with the history of this particular craft,” explained George “Dodo” Brockman, owner of Freeport Boat Outlet, who is overseeing the build of the Infiniti boat project. The Infiniti V8 is actually lighter than all of the previous powerplants and won’t require any special bracing or hull modifications to fit it into the original engine bay.”

So the QX56 V8 is more of an evolution than everything else. However you don’t just yank out a V8 from a car and strap it to a boat without tweaking it beforehand. After removal the engine had to be sent at Bracket Marine in Westbrook, Maine for a trial with its future ZF/Hurth marine transmission. Then Alabama was the place where new, water-cooled exhaust manifolds were fitted and also a closed cooling system was adapted. One stop still remains to be done – Its back at Infinity’s for a close inspection to see if everything is up to standards. Hopefully by the time the engine is fully ready to install, the restoration process of the Chris-Craft Holiday boat will have been completed with an all new, rot-free, frame patched together by mahogany plates. Other genes from the Infinity QX56 will also be transferred on to the boat – leather upholstery, NavWeather™ provided by XM® and a speaker and sub-woofer system all complete the luxurious package that will be the Chris-Craft QX56.

Source: Infiniti

December 29, 2011

Chevrolet Volt to conquer China in 2012

The first Chevrolet Volt has made its debut this month in China at the HaiTong Port in Shanghai. The car is part of a 10-vehicle General Motors demonstration fleet which is going to be presented in Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai. All of the exhibited electric vehicles will give customers the chance to experience an industry-leading electric vehicle in daily use. Moreover GM will use information taken from the test drives and charging experience in order to understand better the application of electric vehicles in China. Therefore the company will provide consumers with hands on exposure to the extended range vehicle concept. This is very important step that GM will undertake to prepare for an expansion of offerings of vehicles powered by electricity. In addition GM will also work closely with government and industry officials. The aim is to help develop a public vehicle charging infrastructure.

The award-winning Volt will be sold through thirteen especially selected dealerships in eight substantial cities in the country. To conquer one of the first global markets such as China, Volt provides drivers with no compromises in performance or driving range, having in mind that it is the first extended range electric vehicle. Moreover Volt provides up to 80 kilometers of electric driving. And then after battery consumption it can drive another 490 kilometers using an on-board engine generator! Therefore there will be no fear of being stranded by a spent battery. The car is the best electric vehicle solution for China nowadays, because it is not limited by range or a public charging. More importantly the Volt is also very economical to operate. For instance when it is charged during off-peak hours it costs less than one-tenth of the amount of driving on petrol vehicle alone.

Volt models for retail sale, priced at RMB 498,000, will arrive in early 2012 at thirteen selected dealerships in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Wuxi, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Foshan.

Source: General Motors

December 29, 2011

Vilner Mercedes Vito 120 CDI

Vilner has announced their new project. It is based on Mercedes Vito 120 CDI, which is turned to a real eye-catcher, instead of an ordinary family van. The big vehicle received unique interior and some exterior modifications.

Firstly, the interior looking exactly like one in a private airplane. It features seats from Mercedes CL with mahogany armrests, luxurious tables and extra soundproofing. Other upgrades include an Amareta-covered rear-view mirror, an ergonomic steering wheel, and extra built-in chargers for mobile phone, a huge 19″ LCD display, a hi-fi multimedia system, ambient lighting, a refrigerator and a minibar. Basically, it has whatever you need to feel comfortably during long trips across the country or the continent, especially with the superbly efficient diesel engine.

Mercedes Vito 120 CDI is powered by a 3.0 litre V6 common-rail turbodiesel engine with 204PS (150 kW) and 440Nm (325 lb-ft). From 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and average fuel consumption of 9.2 litres per 100 km. Not bad specs for a family van!

Lastly, the exterior of Vilner Vito comes with a set of big alloy wheels fitted with lowprofile tires, Bi-xenon headlights with brows and LED daytime running lights.

Source: Vilner

December 28, 2011

Senner Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Senner Tuning has unveiled their program for the famous Mercedes SLS AMG. It includes performance modifications and some improvement of the stance.

The new Gullwing is powered by the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in the world – AMG’s 6.2 liter beast with 571PS (420 kW) and 650Nm (479 lb-ft). It is boosted to 606PS (446 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). The results are thanks to a number of upgrades – an ECU re-map, optimized air-flow and new stainless steel sports exhaust system.

The sports coupe stands on enormous Corniche Vegas wheels – 9J x 20” with 255/30 R20 tires on the front axle and 11J x 20” with 285/30 R20 on the rear. The stance is further improved by a set of adjustable coilovers from KW.

The price for these upgrades start at €19 500.

Source: Senner

December 28, 2011

All-in-one Chrysler 300 on it’s way

What Chrysler is going to try and do with the new 300 series is to blend style and luxury with affordability and refinement. Sales are expected to start during the first quarter of 2012 with a base price of $40,145.

Two trimmings will be offered when showrooms open up to costumers: the Chrysler 300 and the Chrysler 300 C. Both of these cars can be equipped with either an AWD system or RWD. The more economical and less powerful 300 pumps out 292 horsepower from a 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 while the 300C makes use of a 5.7 HEMI V8 which delivers 363 hp. The latter, Chrysler say, goes easy on the petrol as it employes their Fuel Saver Technology. However, the Pentastar is the one to ask about fuel-efficiency – 23mpg combined (21 for the AWD version). A figure, according to the company, yet unsurpassed in the luxury class.

The company is also proud of it’s state-of-the-art 8-speed automatic gearbox which is a first in a “domestic luxury sedan”. More yet shorter gear rations means smoother power delivery and a lively throttle response. The AWD segment is clever too as it makes use of all the wheels only when needed while normally the front axle is disengaged from the drivetrain. Transition from RWD to AWD is automatic and barely noticeable. All those factors, the transmission, the drive system, the Pentastar V6, work together to achieve a more powerful and a 17 percent more economic vehicle compared to the previous V6 300.

Visually platinum-chrome touches ornament the fascias, door handles and mirror caps. The grille is also platinum-chrome with lining of the same material. Four polished face, pocket painted, 20 inch wheels (19 inch on the AWD models) bare the weight of the 300 for a completed look.

Now that Chrysler is closely associated with Fiat, the 2012 model 300 has had the pleasure to bare an essence otherwise reserved for Italian exotic vehicles. A more detailed description of the interior offers terms like Mochachino and Nappa which sounds very classy and expensive. Basically the wheel, the dashboard brow, the center console and the instrument panel all participate in a lavish leather feast which continues further back where the black/two toned seats are also wrapped in leather to go with the door and center console arm rests (You guessed it. They are all leather as well). Add to that a chrome lining to the wheel and Natural Pore Mocha wood panels here and there and things get really executive.

The number of gadgets inside is high. Just to name a few we have heated/ventilated seats, die-cast paddle shifters, touchscreen navigation, electrically adjustable steering column and seats with a memorizing function, LEDs everywhere and an electrochromic rear view mirror.

Interested? Well here is a quick price list on all four specifications:

Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (RWD) $40,145
Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (AWD) $42,495
Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (RWD) $42,895
Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (AWD) $45,245

Source: Chrysler

December 28, 2011

Mercedes S 250 CDI and ML 250 Green Winners for 2011

Since 1997, every year the ÖkoTrend institute has been awarding and ranking thousands of cars based on data which involves the subject’s environmental impact, efficiency, manufacture, logistics and recycling. All and all there are 12 categories in which cars may fall in to.

This year the “Luxury” and “SUV” categories are headed by the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC respectively. The cars are going home with an “AUTO TEST WINNERS in GREEN!” award from the specialist publication AUTO TEST.

The vehicles maybe different but the engine is the same: a 2.1 liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder diesel unit with direct injection. Power comes in the form of 204bhp but what’s really impressive is the torque – 500 newton metres. For the cars to get to 60mph from a stand still it takes 8.2 seconds for the CDI and 9.0 seconds for the ML.

Nimble as they are, the ML’s combined consumption and emissions do not exceed 6.0 liters per 100km and 158 g/km respectively while the S-klasse gets an even lower number of 5.7 liters per 100km and 149 g/km of CO2 emissions (again combined).

Source: Daimler

December 28, 2011

Nissan X-TRAIL 4×4 Platinum Edition

When one hears “Platinum”, other words like premium, exclusive and expensive come to mind. Well the new Nissan X-Trail Platinum is all of that, except maybe expensive. Prices will start at £29,180 which is actually cheaper than the Tekna model on which is based.

So what makes it justify its name?

It has some new equipment features which no other model in the rage has had before. A sophisticated new touch screen communication unit features satellite navigation, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth. A rear view camera which projects the view at the back trough a small screen embedded in the rear view mirror will certainly help when parking and also showing off to friends. leather upholstery and electrically-adjustable, heated front seats also come as a necessity.

The front and rear of the vehicle is further enhanced with the help of additional protection plates located below the bumpers. Chrome steps shine at the sides and also chrome moldings protect the doors.

Power comes from Nissan’s 2.0 dCi diesel coupled with either a manual or an automatic. With the manual the engine churns out 173PS and yet it returns an amazing figure for a 4×4 SUV of 44mpg.

It will be rare though as only 200 will hit the showrooms. Platinum indeed.

Source: Nissan

December 28, 2011

2011 750 HP Lingenfelter ZR1 Chevrolet Corvette

The new 750 HP Lingenfelter ZR1 Corvette is the package which includes the absolutely astonishing 750 horsepower. It also features the addition of the GT9 ZR1 supercharger camshaft and Lingenfelter CNC ported LS9 cylinder heads.

With this package you can add more horsepower to the previous 710 HP package while maintaining a safe level of boost and supercharger RPM. Moreover the GT9 camshaft has an excellent sound quality and will not hamper the vehicles drivability or reliability. With this package you will get the whole 750 BHP (551 kW) and 730 lbs ft (989 NM) of torque!

Worth it, isn’t it!

To go further into more details, the Package includes: Engine removal and removal of supercharger assembly, cylinder heads, camshaft; Lingenfelter CNC porting and polishing of LS9 cylinder heads for optimal flow; Lingenfelter multi-angle valve job, cc chambers, surfacing and spring height adjustment; Competition Cams valve springs, LS9 retainers and locks; Lingenfelter GT9 camshaft by Competition Cams;

2011 750 HP Lingenfelter ZR1 Chevrolet Corvette

GM Head gaskets and head studs; 160 degree thermostat; Lingenfelter cast aluminum supercharger front cover assembly; 2.38 inch diameter steel supercharger 10 bolt drive pulley – powder coated black – 11 rib; 100 mm aluminum double bearing idler assembly; Lingenfelter LS9 solid supercharger isolator coupling; Lingenfelter ZR1 air intake system; Increased boost level 12 – 13 psi; professional installation, camshaft degreeing, testing & ECU calibration; chassis dyno report before and after installation; excellent drivability, highway mileage not adversely affected; Lingenfelter 2 year/ 24,000 mile warranty; Lingenfelter certificate of authenticity.

You can get this package for the amount of $12,895. However if you have some extra money to spend, there are few more additional upgrades: Lingenfelter Heat Exchanger upgrade with the price tag $899; Corsa stainless steel cat back exhaust for the $1,699.95; and the Akrapovic Titanium Evolution Exhaust for the amount of $3,995.

Source: Lingenfelter

December 28, 2011

2012 Lancia Thema and Voyager Accessories

The exclusive accessories of the new Thema and Voyager models are now available. They made their debute at the recent Bologna Motor Show. Created by the Fiat Group Automobiles Parts & Service sector in collaboration with Lancia brand, the products are gathered in two Lancia Lineaccessori catalogues, which available online.

At the Bologna show the public had the opportunity to see a huge range of products offered to customers both at the time they purchase a new vehicle and in the later stages to personalise it with special services and accessories. Furthermore the 2011 Motor Show was the best place for introducing the addition of the Thema and Voyager Owner Handbooks to the “Lancia Everywhere Mobile” service. This application is now available for iPhone, and will also become operational on the Android platform soon.

The two new Lineaccessori are grouped in three different categories – Design, Leisure and Comfort. They harmoniously match up with the “first global flagship” and are in full compliance with their technical, stylistic and mechanical features. The goal is to exalt the winning characteristics of the Thema and to make it a technological perfection combined with Italian Style. To be more precise, the design of the new Lancia Thema can be customised with several products. For example there are 18” and 20” rims and three grilles which are present in different colours and treatments. A highlight here is that the Thema is the only car of its class in Europe which offers the latter feature. At the same time Lancia flagship driver can choose several accessories for his leisure time such as roof rack bars, bicycle racks and the summer box.

2012 Lancia Thema and Voyager Accessories

The benchmark in the segment of large MPVs hiowever is the new Lancia Voyager. It has an impressive size matched by a spacious, refined passenger compartment made from high quality materials. In order to satisfy every individual taste, Lineaccessori offers accesories that emphasize both the elegant design and the ability to enjoy leisure time to the utmost. For instcance there are the 17″ rims, chrome-plated running board and side footboard. Furthermore there is available a brand new product in the segment: an exclusive tent (3×3 metres) that connects with the open tailgate. In addition if the seats of the second and third rows are folded down, the total interior space (tent + passenger compartment) is extraordinary, totalling about 13,000 litres. Of course, the tent can be utilized apart from the vehicle. Eventually, in terms of Comfort and Safety, the Lineaccessori of both models offers a full range of baby one and junior child seats. Moreover there are the additional sun blinds, mats and anti-theft wheel bolts.

Source: Lancia

December 28, 2011

PRIOR-DESIGN BMW 5-Series F10 PD Aerodynamic-Kit

Prior Design has shared more details about their improvement in BMW 5-Series F10. The vehicle has got some additional increase in body aerodynamics through the Aerodynamic-Kit.

Firstly in the package is included Prior-Design PD front add-on spoiler. I t fits all BMW 5-Series F10 standard models except M5 and models with original M-Sport Package installed. Secondly, there has being added Prior-Designs PD side skirts that fits all BMW 5-Series F10 models. Furthermore there is Prior-Designs PD rear add-on spoiler (diffusor), which fits all BMW 5-Series F10 standard models except M5. Moreover there is additional mounting material added!

Undeniably, this Kit looks pretty good!

PRIOR-DESIGN BMW 5-Series F10 PD Aerodynamic-Kit

Source: Prior-Design

December 28, 2011

Hyundai Veloster With a Good Design Award

The GOOD DESIGN awards (must be hard to be excellent) are annually given by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design along with The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. In terms of prestige, this event is the Oscars for designers. It values innovation, originality and quite frankly bravery when it comes to designing products of any kind. Interestingly enough there is also a “Transportation”category which, in 2011, was won by the Hyundai Veloster.

Here’s what the director of product planning in Hyundai Motor America, Scott Margason had to say: “With Veloster, we want to show consumers that high style, fuel efficiency and affordable pricing can all be found in one vehicle,” he continues: “Veloster stands out from the crowd with a stylish yet functional design. We’re honored that GOOD DESIGN is recognizing the beautiful design and unique personality of the car.”

So what was it about the Veloster that impressed so much the jury at the American Institute of Architects in Los Angeles where the 2011 awards were held? Well, one might notice that the car is missing a door as there are two on the passenger side and only on on the other side (or it has a bonus door on the passenger side. Depends on how people see it.) One can tell that the overall design was inspired by a sports motorbike as there is a motorcycle helmet visor appearance around the cabin thanks to the black, barely visible A-pillars. Aggression is further added with the honeycomb front grille and the unique Hyundai-signature LED position lights. At the back there is a clever glass hatch and dual exhaust tips right in the middle of the black rear fascia. Inside the Veloster, the air vents look like bike exhaust pipes while the center console resembles a bike fuel tank which morphs into a bike seat on the way down to the floor console.

Source: Hyundai

December 27, 2011

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